12 Days of Christmas: Buy Tools Not Toys

That sinking feeling that comes from opening a gift that either doesn't fit your family culture, or that seems cool enough in the moment, but you know will not last? A gift that you know has poor construction and, thus, quick destruction? Or maybe seen the flashiness of a popular product that is more packaging than substance?

I know I have.

As a parent, living in a house with limited square feet, my hope with gift-giving each year is to give gifts with value, both for my nuclear and my extended family.

Ideally, I want each person to have some fun, entertaining gifts, and some more educational or practical gifts. I want gifts that will be thoroughly enjoyed both on Christmas Day and in the weeks and months to come. To use Jill Evely's words, I want to buy tools, not toys.